Hi all,
We are wanting to get the orchard by our house in better shape. I don't know how old it is, but I know the owners father planted sometime after they bought the place I think in the 40s There are about 40 trees in a variety of 6 different kinds of apples, There are also a couple rows of grapes and white muscadines but that is a hole 'nother ball game. I believe there is a walnut tree as well.
Four specific things I need help or information about:
1) how much can you trim off a tree per year and it still survive/produce?
2) Is there anything that should be put onto large stubs (from a removed branch) and is it necessary to put it on smaller ones?
3) Most of the trees have gotten pretty tall (25ft at least) and the apples on the tops are unreachable by any means I have available and that includes the young teen's climbing skills. Should part of our trimming include shortening?
4) The south of the trees are shaded quite a bit by over growth of trees (lots of pine) along the river bank that I am sure were kept back/ to a minimum years ago but have been left in more recent times. Is this a problem and how much of one.
I remember looking at some information about apple orchards when we first moved here 4 years ago but don't remember most of it. About all I remember is the best time to trim is January and February and to trim the 'suckers'(?) off. Well, these trees are sadly over grown but still produce wonderful apples.
Any suggestions on books about orchards I may find at the library, or a website with helpful information would be great. Or just tips here would be too. I took some pictures today, but still need to get them off the camera. will post soon.
Thank you.
We are wanting to get the orchard by our house in better shape. I don't know how old it is, but I know the owners father planted sometime after they bought the place I think in the 40s There are about 40 trees in a variety of 6 different kinds of apples, There are also a couple rows of grapes and white muscadines but that is a hole 'nother ball game. I believe there is a walnut tree as well.
Four specific things I need help or information about:
1) how much can you trim off a tree per year and it still survive/produce?
2) Is there anything that should be put onto large stubs (from a removed branch) and is it necessary to put it on smaller ones?
3) Most of the trees have gotten pretty tall (25ft at least) and the apples on the tops are unreachable by any means I have available and that includes the young teen's climbing skills. Should part of our trimming include shortening?
4) The south of the trees are shaded quite a bit by over growth of trees (lots of pine) along the river bank that I am sure were kept back/ to a minimum years ago but have been left in more recent times. Is this a problem and how much of one.
I remember looking at some information about apple orchards when we first moved here 4 years ago but don't remember most of it. About all I remember is the best time to trim is January and February and to trim the 'suckers'(?) off. Well, these trees are sadly over grown but still produce wonderful apples.
Any suggestions on books about orchards I may find at the library, or a website with helpful information would be great. Or just tips here would be too. I took some pictures today, but still need to get them off the camera. will post soon.
Thank you.